How Long Does It Take to Recover from Wisdom Teeth Extraction?

Having your wisdom teeth removed is often a necessary step for long-term oral health. Whether they’re impacted, causing pain, or crowding your other teeth, extraction can provide much-needed relief. If you’re looking for wisdom teeth extraction in Richmond Hill, you might also be wondering: How long does recovery take?

At Mackenzie Smiles Dentistry, we help patients feel prepared and confident before and after surgery. Let’s walk through what the recovery process typically looks like and what you can do to heal faster.

Typical Recovery Timeline

Everyone’s recovery is slightly different, but in most cases, healing from wisdom tooth removal takes about 7 to 10 days. Some patients feel back to normal within a few days, while others may take a bit longer—especially if their teeth were impacted or the procedure was complex.

Here’s a general overview:

• Day 1–3: Swelling and discomfort peak
• Day 4–5: Inflammation starts to reduce
• Day 6–7: Pain mostly fades; you can return to normal eating
• Week 2: The area starts to close and heal
• Week 3–4: Most tissue has regenerated

Remember: full healing under the surface (where the tooth was rooted) may take several months, even if you feel better quickly.

Factors That Affect Recovery Time

Some people bounce back fast—others need a little more time. Several factors influence how long it takes to recover, including:

1. Tooth position

• Impacted or partially erupted teeth take longer to heal
• Straight, fully erupted teeth are simpler and faster to remove

2. Age and overall health

• Younger patients usually heal faster
• Chronic conditions like diabetes may slow healing

3. Oral hygiene

• Keeping your mouth clean (without disturbing the site) promotes quicker recovery

4. Smoking or vaping

• These can delay healing and add to the risk of complications like dry socket

Day-by-Day Healing Process

Let’s break down what the healing journey typically looks like. This can help you prepare and know what to expect.

Day 1:

• You’ll feel numb after surgery
• Bleeding and oozing are normal
• Keep gauze in place and rest

Day 2–3:

• Swelling may increase
• Jaw stiffness is common
• Pain is manageable with medication

Day 4–5:

• Swelling should decrease
• You may feel well enough to return to light activity
• Continue soft foods and avoid chewing near the site

Day 6–7:

• Pain should mostly be gone
• Risk of dry socket lowers significantly
• Stitches may start to dissolve if they’re not removed by your dentist in Richmond Hill

Signs of Normal vs. Delayed Healing

It’s normal to have some discomfort, swelling, and even bruising. But if something doesn’t feel right, pay attention.

Normal healing signs:

• Gradual decrease in pain
• Minimal bleeding after day 1
• Swelling that improves over several days

Signs of delayed healing or infection:

• Intense pain after day 3 (could be dry socket)
• Persistent bleeding
• Fever or pus
• Foul taste or smell from the socket

If you notice any of these symptoms, reach out to your dentist right away. It’s always better to catch a problem early.

Post-Extraction Care Tips to Speed Up Recovery

A few easy steps can really make a huge difference in how quickly you heal. Follow your post-op instructions closely and be gentle with yourself during the first few days.

Top recovery tips:

• Rest with your head elevated to lessen swelling
• Utilize an ice pack (20 minutes on, 20 off) for the first 24 hours
• Take all prescribed medications as directed
• Avoid hot drinks, alcohol, and hard or crunchy foods
• Wash gently with warm salt water starting 24 hours after surgery

Avoid poking at the site using your tongue or fingers—this can delay healing or cause an infection.

What to Eat During Recovery

Soft foods are your best friend after surgery. Think smooth, cool, and easy to chew.

Great food options include:

• Applesauce
• Mashed potatoes
• Yogurt
• Smoothies (skip the straw!)
• Scrambled eggs
• Broth-based soups

Avoid:

• Spicy or acidic foods
• Nuts, chips, and anything crunchy
• Carbonated or hot drinks
• Anything that requires a straw or heavy chewing

Stick to soft foods for the first few days, then slowly reintroduce solids as you feel comfortable.

Activities to Avoid After Surgery

Protecting the blood clot in your extraction site is key to avoiding dry socket and infections. That means taking it easy for a few days.

Avoid:

• Strenuous exercise
• Smoking or vaping
• Drinking through straws
• Touching the wound with your tongue
• Brushing directly over the extraction site

Resuming regular activities too soon can result in pain and setbacks. Give your body the time it needs to heal properly.

Final Thoughts

Healing from wisdom tooth removal doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Most people recover in about a week, and with good care, complications are rare. Understanding the exact timeline, knowing what to expect, and following recovery tips will make the process smoother.

If you’re considering wisdom tooth removal services near you, choose a provider who offers support before, during, and after the procedure. At Mackenzie Smiles Dentistry, our team is here to guide you through every step of the experience and make sure your recovery is as easy as possible.